Learn more about the history of broadsides through free library project

Learn more about the history of broadsides through free library project

28 February 2018

Residents throughout Norfolk can learn more about the origins and history of broadsides through a project between Norfolk libraries and the BBC, with Art Fund support.

The large posters were commonly printed between the 16th and 19th centuries and often used for advertising, news and public announcements.

Free events and activities will run at Norfolk libraries from this Friday (2 March), exploring the origins of broadsides and relating them to contemporary times, current news and subjects including fake news and clickbait headlines.

Chairman of Norfolk County Council's Communities Committee, Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, said: "Broadsides were often produced by specialist printers and sold at public events, including executions. The advent of newspapers and novels meant that broadsides are now largely consigned to history, except for modern framed printings which are currently fashionable.

"These library events will spark discussion about the important role broadsides played in getting messages out to the public and look at how modern communication methods differ. It's something all the family can get involved with finding out more about, and all events are completely free."

Norfolk County Council’s Library & Information Service are basing all the sessions on the collection of historic broadsides held at Norfolk Heritage Centre, and their relevance to contemporary concepts such as “fake news” and “clickbait” headlines.

Events will include an evening at the Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library featuring salon-style conversations, a modern broadside printing workshop with Print to the People and a chance to have an active input into our future collecting policies. Libraries will be using a resource pack and facsimile copies of key broadsides to increase collections access and stimulate conversation and debate with library customers and groups. Events are made possible with Art Fund support.

The library project is part of the Civilisations Festival - a ground-breaking collaboration between the BBC, museums, galleries, libraries and archives across the UK. More than 250 organisations in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed up as partners.

Civilisations begins March 1 on BBC Two at 9pm and the entire series will be available to watch on iPlayer after the first transmission.

The Festival will shine a spotlight on partners’ collections, as they host events to spark debate, broaden understanding and share ideas about what the term ‘civilisation’ means for their communities.

Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library BBC Civilisations: Words on the Street
Explore fake news and clickbait headlines in our collection of historic broadsides, street literature focusing on the (often scandalous) societal issues of the day.
Visit the library after hours to print your own broadside with Print to the People, join in with a café conversation exploring ideas of truth in media while enjoying a free glass of wine, and discover our collection of broadsides – the tabloids of their time.
Date: Friday 2 March
Time: 5-8pm
This is a free event, no need to book, just come along.

Kings Lynn Library BBC Civilisations: Just a Cuppa
Come along for a good old fashioned chatter with a cup of tea and biscuit at this FREE drop in session. To celebrate the BBC Civilisations festival there will be a selection of historic Norfolk broadsides available – which will look at different themes around authenticity and truth in media. Join in with a conversation to explore the broadsides and their relevance to contemporary concepts such as fake news.
Date: Monday 5 March
Time: 2.30-3.30pm
This is a free event, no need to book, just come along.

Great Yarmouth Library BBC Civilisations: Friendship Group
Come along and have a friendly chat with a cuppa. All welcome. To celebrate the BBC Civilisations festival there will be a selection of historic Norfolk broadsides available – which will look at different themes around authenticity and truth in media. Join in with a conversation and explore the broadsides and their relevance to contemporary concepts such as fake news.
Date: Monday 5 March
Time: 10am – noon
This is a free event, no need to book, just come along.

Loddon Library BBC Civilisations:
To celebrate the BBC Civilisations festival there will be a selection of historic Norfolk Broadsides available – which will look at different themes around authenticity and truth in media. Join in with a conversation and explore the Broadsides and their relevance to contemporary concepts such as fake news.
Date: Monday 5 March
Time: 10:30 - 11:30am
This is a free event, no need to book, just come along

Hunstanton Library BBC Civilisations: Just a Cuppa
Come along and have a good old fashioned chatter with a cup of tea and biscuit at this free drop in session. To celebrate the BBC Civilisations festival there will be a selection of historic Norfolk Broadsides available – which will look at different themes around authenticity and truth in media. Join in with a conversation and explore the Broadsides and their relevance to contemporary concepts such as fake news.
Date: Friday 9 March
Time: 10.30-11.30am
This is a free event, no need to book, just come along

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